Fish holder



Nov. 25, 1941'. J M, FIOR. l 2,263,965

Filed Nov. l, 1939 John m'. F/'or :inventor Qttorneg Patented Nov. 25, 194i FESR HGLBEE Bohn M. Fiori, Poaghheemie, N. Y.

Application November l, 1939, Serial No. 302,44@

l. Claim.

My invention relates to a device for use by shermen for holding a sh while removing the hook from its mouth. y

Because of the slippery protective lm on sh it is extremely difficult, when removing the hook from their mouths, to lget a good grip on them with the ngers to prevent their whipping around and in numerous cases getting free. Some species of iish, such as the cat-sh, have sharp dns and barbels which will inict serious cuts upon the hand if the sh is not held rmly. This makes removal of the hook very dlicult and dangerous, also very messy as the lsh's protective film leaves vthe hands very slimy after touching them. I

curely gripping the sh and holding it free from movement while the hook is disengaged.

The object of theinvention is to provide a device for holding a sh to prevent it from slipping free while disengaging a hook from its mouth.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device which may readily andl easily be used for holding a iish while disengaging the hook.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device which will enable shermen to handle sh without getting their hands covered with cuts and slime.

A still further object is to provide a device simple in construction. cheaply manufactured, and easily and conveniently carried.

With these and other objects in view, my invention consists in certain novel construction and combination of parts as will hereinafter be fully described and claimed and further illustrated ink piece of fiat stock bent upon itself, with wide ends H tapering to a narrow section I2 in the middle oi the piece Iii. The edges oi the part adjacent the section i2 are bent inwards pro' (Cl. 29d-$9) viding a smooth handle and adding more strength and spring to the U shaped piece it.

The wide ends or jaws il are slightly concave to conform with the curvature of a fish, and provided with protruding points or teeth i3 to firmly and securely grip the sh. Y

To enable the device to grip the iish without continual hand pressure, I have provided a toothed rack it, one end swingably connected at right angles to one arm of the U-shaped piece id. The opposite end of the rack it is rolled over to provide a smooth surface by which the said rack may be controlled by the thumb of the user. This free end of the rack passes through the other arm of the piece it. l

I have valso provided a coiled spring I6. secured at one end to the rack it, adjacent its lower end, and the opposite end of the spring secured to the same arm of the piece it to which therack l is secured.

The spring Vi6 will retain the rack it in constant contact with the rear edge of the slot I5, thus retaining the Jaws ii in any .desired position.

The use of the device for holding the iish during the removal of the hook is extremely simple. The jaws Il are opened sumciently to grip the side of the iish Il by releasing the rack it to allow the said jaws I i to spring apart. Pressure is then exerted upon the handle I2 to close the jaws Il upon the fish Il and the teeth of the rack 'I4 allowed to engage with the edge ofthe slit I5 locking the fish Il between the jaws Il, thus holding the fish Il securely while the hook is removed.

Having thus described my invention, what'I claim is new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is: 1 v

A iish holder comprising a body formedfrom a single length ot resilient sheet metal bent intermediate its ends to provide opposed legs, said legs being U-shaped in crosssection. one of said legs having a.l slot therein. a bar having one end pivotally and detachably connected with the other leg. said bar being adapted to engage in the slot and having teeth thereon for engaging a wall 'of the slot to hold the legs in adjusted positions. a spring connecting the bar with'one ot the legs. and serving normally to hold the bar pivotally and yieldably in engagement therewith. and spurs formed on theopposed faces of the legs.

JOHN M. FIORI. 

